DNR reminds horse riders that passes are required on state trails

As Minnesotans saddle up for the spring horseback riding season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds riders to get a Horse Trail Pass before hitting any state-managed trails. Riders without the pass may be subject to fines.
 

Introduced in 2007, the pass - which costs $21 for the calendar year or $5 daily - is required on horse trails within state parks, state forests, state trails, and state recreation areas for anyone 16 years of age and older. Riders must possess a signed pass while riding on state-managed horse trails.
 

The trail pass has generated approximately $239,000 in its first two years.
 

“The Horse Trail Pass benefits riders and their horses,” said Grant Scholen of the DNR Parks and Trails Division. “Proceeds are used in maintaining and rehabilitating horse trails and to improve state-owned equestrian facilities.”
 

Projects completed last year with Horse Trail Pass funds include:

• Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, Hay Creek Unit - rehabilitated sections of trail and day-use parking lot; Zumbro Bottoms Unit - rehabilitated sections of trail

• Maplewood State Park - rehabilitated equestrian trails

• St. Croix State Forest - installed trail system orientation signs

• Upper Sioux Agency State Park - rehabilitated equestrian trails

Projects that will be completed in the next year with Horse Trail Pass funds include:

• Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park - install new vault toilet in horse campground

• Lake Maria and Wild River state parks - rehabilitate sections of trail

• Pillsbury and Huntersville state forests - clear, brush, and repair horse trails and provide trail orientation signs

• St. Croix State Park - add electric campsites in horse campground

Horse Trail Passes can be purchased from DNR Electronic License System vendors across the state. These are the same vendors who sell fishing and hunting licenses.
 

For more information about horseback riding or to buy a Horse Trail Pass online, visit the DNR Web site or call the DNR Information Center, 651-296-6157, or toll free 888-646-6367